Most preferred antivirus

[c1rcle]

Originally Posted by lsainsbury

Getting very bored of these "My linux / Mac is better than Windows" replies...

Linux Viruses

Mac Viruses

Now please - SHUT UP.

Windows is more prone to viruses because it's more wildly used and an easier target. Period.

You missed my point entirely read my post again & you'll see what I mean, Using Linux keeps me perfectly safe from the dreaded WINDOWS virus curse. I never said Linux is better than Windows. I use both Windows & Linux on a single pc (this one) they both have strengths & weaknesses & at the moment Virus is the biggest weakness that Windows has over Linux. Now feel free to grow a sense of humour.

[Chrysalis]

doesnt keep you safe from linux exploits tho, this may shock some people but in terms of xploited computers vs online computers for each os linux has a higher exploitation rate then windows with freebsd been the most secure. Linux exploits dont make the same headline stories so many think its a much safer os.

[ADd]

Links, proof statistics please ?

I think you also need to differentiate between servers and desktops. There are a hell of a lot more compromised desktop machines which are Windows - mainly because they are more popular, but also due to the distinct differences between Linux and Windows (some which Vista should address).
There are far more Linux severs on the web, which are badly protected - or incorrectly setup, hence they become zombies.
An OS is only as secure as the knowledge and ability of the operator in my opinion, far too many people see the 'free web hosting' 'cheap web hosting' stick a forum or website on there and just leave it without ensuring the forum software is fully patched. For those with their own servers, it is amazing how many SSH password guessing attempts are actually successful because the operator of that server has left their password as 'admin'
Ok rant over

[Stuart]

After all, you can have a computer with the best security system in the world, hidden behind the best firewall in the world, but if you leave the default passwords,or use passwords that are easy to guess, you still have an insecure system.

[Chrysalis]

ADd you have the answer in your post.

Most people using a linux desktop are usually more computer literate then your average windows user and are likely to harden the box security, whilst your average windows user doesnt although thankfully people are more aware recently and at least tend to look for a antivirus/firewall solution which helps. The main problem with windows which I think m$ have sorted out in vista is people logging in and browsing with admin level accounts.

I think the bulk of the linux exploits are on servers and its no surprise given the amount of amatuer webhosts out there who install the fancy gui cpanel and leave the box in a insecure state.

[opelfruitcase]

Originally Posted by vbnmu

How does an AV software affect a large manufacturer's selling price of a PC???
'These dirt cheap budget PC's' target a category of people, those who believe it suits their needs or their budget. Not less educated users.
If u had the money am sure u would go for an Aston Martin instead of buying cheap spare parts for your budget car. It certainly does not mean you are a less than capable driver.

When I'm talking about these cheap PC's, I'm talking of systems where manufacturers skimp on even a cheap commodity such as RAM, thus seriously slowing down a machine by only fitting 256Mb (with 32Mb of that often being used for video) when 512Mb would show a decent performance increase for very little cost. I'm talking less educated users, because a less educated user won't normally know the difference between a £300 PC and an £800 PC other than the cost.

I'm not trying to stereotype, just making what I feel is a valid point. How many of those users who know very little about computers would think of changing from that free AV software - very little I would have thought. Its these 'less educated' (ok rephrase what I said originally as 'more PC-literate' is more appropriate) users who wonder why they keep having pop-ups and wonder why their internet connection is so slow.

[Chrysalis]

I am with you on the ram, when my dad asked me what pc should he get I commented a £300 pc should be fine before checking the specs, then I checked the ad in the paper and indeed they skimped on the ram and I thought the tight ********. Ram is very cheap especially for an extra 256meg. The difference between 256 and 512 is huge likewise between 512 and a gig. The pc came with a 80gig hd so they would have been better supplying a 40gig hd but with double the ram.